Nursery Design: Modern Wild Thing
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Designing a nursery is always a joy, but it becomes truly special when the project involves blending the timeless appeal of a beloved children's book with a clean, modern aesthetic. Recently, I had the pleasure of creating a baby boy's nursery for a client who wanted just that: modern lines with a touch of magic inspired by Maurice Sendak's classic, "Where the Wild Things Are."
Color Palette and Materials
To achieve this delicate balance, we started with a soft, neutral color palette dominated by white and black with touches of navy blue and gold/amber. The walls were painted a gentle, calming gray, providing a versatile backdrop for the room. We incorporated natural walnut wood elements to add warmth and texture, echoing the forest setting of the book.
Vision and Inspiration
The client, a young couple with a keen eye for contemporary design, envisioned a nursery that would be both stylish and imaginative. They wanted the space to reflect modern design principles—clean lines, a neutral color palette, and minimal clutter—while also capturing the whimsical essence of "Where the Wild Things Are." The challenge was to create a room that felt both sophisticated and playful, a serene haven for their little boy that would also spark his imagination.
Crib | Dresser | Art | Playmat | Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig | Cuddle & Kind Doll | Book Rack
Furniture and Layout
The furniture selection was critical in maintaining the modern aesthetic. We chose sleek, clean lines: a white crib with walnut wood accents, a navy changing table, and a glider in a soft gray fabric. Each piece was selected not only for its design but also for its functionality and comfort.
We took the dimensions of the space and offered the client 3 configurations. The client wanted the bedroom to also be a play space, so we incorporated a play mat and rug options and an area to store toys and books.
Thematic Elements
To introduce the "Where the Wild Things Are" theme without overwhelming the space, we focused on subtle, tasteful touches. We included art prints featuring scenes from the book and plush dolls representing the book as well.
Accessories & Storage
The final accessories included a fiddle leaf fig, toy storage, and shelving.
The result is a nursery that beautifully marries contemporary design with the enchanting world of "Where the Wild Things Are." It's a space that feels calm and orderly yet filled with the promise of adventure and imagination. The clients were thrilled with the final design, and I am delighted to have created a nursery that their little boy can grow into, a place where his dreams can truly take flight.
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Lifestyle consultation to get to know your family, home, and style.
Mood board with a custom theme, colors, textures, and accent pieces.
Aerial configuration and visual layout of your actual space.
Furniture selection.
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Art and decor selection.
Paint color selection.
Lighting options.
Detailed product list and cost breakdown.
Home organization consultation and virtual home walkthrough.